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The Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission

Calls for investigation and trial of those involved in

alleged abuse of Afghan prisoners in coalition forces custody

While fight against terrorism is one of the priorities of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and international coalition forces, they are to seriously observe and respect the rights, freedoms and human dignity of people during the combat against terrorism.
Abuse and torture under the excuse of fight against terrorism will never be justified, and it is against the principles and standards of human rights as well as international humanitarian laws.
The AIHRC has received and investigated more than 120 cases of violation committed by coalition forces. But unfortunately due to lack of cooperation of coalition forces, the attempts to address these complaints failed to gain any result.
In spite of repeated demands of the Commission during the past years for gaining access for monitoring coalition forces detention centers although sharing concerns with Commander-in-chief of the forces and diplomatic mission of the US in Kabul, still no possibility is ensured for the AIHRC to have access to visit and monitor these detention centers. The Commission once again calls for having access to monitor the detention centers of the coalition forces in Afghanistan and asks for their cooperation in this regard.
For building a better understanding regarding fight against terrorism and promoting respect to the principles and standards of human rights, the AIHRC demands for the application of the following:
The cases of torture and abuse in the prisons of coalition forces and the reasons for the death of a number of Afghans shall be seriously investigated and the perpetrators should be trialed.
Aiming to fight against terrorism a legal clear framework, with regard to international principles and standards of human rights and international humanitarian laws, where the limits and authorities of the forces involved are determined, should be developed.
The AIHRC as an authorized national institution to monitor the human rights situation should have the authorization to visit and monitor the detention centers of coalition forces in Afghanistan. This will promote respect and observance of human rights in the area and increases the transparency of coalition forces actions and in addition boosts their credit.
The result of research and investigation made by General Jacoby on addressing the human rights violations and abuses taken place in the detention centers of the coalition forces should be published for the information of public as well as for the Afghanistan government.
 

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